Passion for Automotive Design

Tag Archives: german

I’m a very nostalgic person to say the least. Though not that old yet, I’m told I act it at times. I do have an affinity for most vintage things and though I have a great appreciation for modern sports cars, I tend to gravitate to the elder ones more often than not. I find them to be very engaging to drive and delight in their analog qualities. For this shoot, I would be splitting my time between both modern and vintage. Both cars were Porsches, but from different eras and after drive both, I enjoyed the new Targa quite a bit.

Porsche 911 Targa 4S and Cabriolet

The modern Porsche came in the form of a beautifully spec’d 911 Targa 4S with an automated roof stowing system so unnecessarily complicated, I could watch it all day long. It was a thoughtful evolution of the original sporting the iconic brushed hoop and gills. The sapphire blue metallic paint was the perfect wrap and an excellent accompaniment to the black and Luxor beige interior. The cabriolet was a bright red affair of 80s vintage and felt very familiar as I have coupe of similar age. This one was just a bit older than mine and was like catching up with an old friend.

Porsche 911 Cabriolet

Now, how to make these cars stand out for their big day in front of the lens. Well for that, nothing makes cars like these stand out more than a nice industrial setting. I know, it’s been done to death and is nearly cliché, but It’s a setting that showcases cars well for a wide variety of reasons. So, off we went to a pre-selected site managed by a very understanding owner who was kind enough to grant us access for the morning. The facility was still in use and provided the perfect environment for the shoot with gritty industrial surroundings providing a great contrast for the beauty presented by the two Porsches.

The day went well, but all too quickly. I could have spent much more time finding various ways to capture these two Porsches, but such is life and I like to think my family would start to miss me after a bit. Both of the cars and the people involved behaved quite well making this yet another fantastic shoot. I could describe the environment and cars more, but that’s really what the photos are for, so get comfortable and enjoy the posted shots of these two great Porsches. For the complete gallery of the day and to order digital downloads, just follow this link. Enjoy!

The name is so fitting to this car. It is German, it is indeed blue, and was the pinnacle for its time. Though some nagging misunderstandings still persist about this car, it is one well worth a look if you are ever in the market for a unique and well-rounded vintage super car.

Porsche 928 Car of the Year

The Porsche 928 is a car that has long been one that some either love or dare I say, hate. That love/hate is fostered for a variety of reasons. The love for it comes from an appreciation of the cars innovations as well as its power, speed, and comfort. The hate, well that comes from myths about high maintenance costs, the belief to some that it is slow and fat and the fact that it was created to supplant the mighty 911. Its pluses became minuses for many as it was everything the 911 wasn’t. It had a water-cooled engine residing in the front with two extra cylinders, near equal weight distribution, and great handling both on and off track making it a wonderful GT car.

Porsche 928

It was a ground up effort from Porsche from the start and the end result was a quite striking form. I often run hot and cold on this car, but in the form you see here, it is an undeniable winner. This particular car is coated in the perfect color matched to the wildly fantastic Pasha interior and is even wearing the right shoes. It’s the total package right down to the very spider like intake hiding just beneath the hood. Perhaps the only thing missing from this particular model is a…well…nothing. This one is spot on from nose to tail.

So the next time you are out and see this, or any other 928, stop and show it some love. You won’t be disappointed you took the time to do so. For a few more images of this car, pop on over to this gallery.

The Porsche Only Swap Meet in Hershey was another huge success – except for the drive home. That was awful, but also another story for another time. The weather was uncharacteristically perfect and the crowds quite large. If you’ve not been, it’s a mecca of parts you need, parts you didn’t know you needed, parts you didn’t know existed and cars galore! The meet has a huge draw as well with people traveling not just from all over the US but from all over the world. It is billed as the largest Porsche only meet on the globe and it’s no mystery why when you see it.

Perfect early 911 Coupe

I saw a few tremendously high priced cars for sale while walking around, but also some very good values. They still exist throughout the range from 356s to some pretty awesome little 914s. Pretty sure you would find what you’re looking for if you go and if not, I feel certain someone there could put you on the right track. I always see at least one car every year that is just priced too good to be true and it always leaves me wishing I had brought cash, cash and more cash.

Porsche 356 4-Cam valve coversPorsche 356 Speedster interior

If you favor the concourse action, you are in luck as they have an area set aside for just that purpose. It is people’s choice, which keeps you on your toes as you never know what will be in favor at that moment, but it’s a great element none the less. There is always a great turnout of some very interesting Porsches. They attract nearly every type our friends in Stuttgart ever made including…a tractor.

So relax and enjoy the following photos. If you seek more visual stimulation, feel free to follow this link to the full gallery on my photography site. Take care and enjoy!

The Cars and Coffee season has finally kicked of here in Pittsburgh so this is as good a time as any to start looking at the cars as well as the people behind the cars. I’ll start things of by looking at the ride of choice for the more than artful organizer; Cliff L. Cliff played an instrumental role in helping to guide the Pittsburgh Cars ‘N Coffee group to where it is today and his worthiness to captain this group is displayed in his choice of cars. Occupying his garage you will find a riotous Ariel Atom as well as this more than capable, Porsche 996 Turbo featured here.

Porsche 996 body 911 Turbo

Now I should say that I love all cars. Each has a special place in motoring history for any number of reasons, but it could be argued that I have a bit of a leaning toward Porsche 911s. No shock here that I rather love this one. It has all the proper accoutrements from a 6 speed manual gearbox and HRE wheels to a right at home GT2 wing and an AWE strait pipe exhaust system that will announce your arrival long before, and I mean long before, anyone lays eyes on you. From inside the car, this exhaust system will also gently massage your brain as it resonates quite pleasingly in the cabin. And, if you were so obtuse as to bring one with you, stir your coffee.

As this is a photo feature, I’ll stop writing. Take a good look, though, as the cars we drive often become our face. When you see this car roll in, you know Cliff has arrived. Enjoy the gallery and check back again as a new car will be featured after each PGHCNC event. For images from the event, just follow this gallery link.